Bill > HB1242

This bill requires the State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Health to convene a comprehensive workgroup to study vision support for primary and secondary students. The workgroup will include representatives from county boards of education, local health departments, optometric associations, eye physician groups, and other vision service providers. Their primary tasks include studying the prevalence of students failing vision screenings, tracking how many students receive recommended follow-up vision testing and treatments, analyzing the correlation between insurance coverage and vision care access, and investigating resources available to address vision deficits. The workgroup will evaluate and make recommendations on expanding mandatory vision screenings, developing better reporting mechanisms for eye exam results, educating families about vision health, partnering with community eye professionals, and potentially creating a targeted vision support program for students currently underserved by existing systems. Additionally, the Maryland State School Health Council will separately evaluate issues related to students' hearing difficulties and potential support programs. Both the workgroup and the council are required to submit detailed reports to various legislative committees by December 31, 2026, with the entire initiative set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and remain active for two years before automatically expiring.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1242?ys=2025RS